The Spanish champions have crucial Copa del Rey and Champions League fixtures with Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively on the horizon, but the 37-year-old is certain they will be up for the fight in the Primera Division.

"You never know if it can be good [that Madrid are not focused on the league]. Madrid are Madrid and they always come to win," he told Marca.

"They have a great squad and it will be difficult, but we have to put that aside and concentrate on ourselves."

Depor have endured a torrid campaign to date, with five defeats on the bounce leaving them two points adrift at the foot of the table, and Valeron concedes it has been a season to forget for the club.

"[Three coaching changes in a year] happened to me at Atletico and it was a year of decline," he added.

"It has been a very difficult season, and not just in sport. These are things we have to live with. We are in a difficult situation after the last few months. The results have not come and we are looking increasingly low.